International English Language Testing System

What is IELTS?

International English Language Testing System or IELTS is a globally accepted test to check English communication skills of students pursuing higher studies abroad or seeking job opportunities abroad.

IELTS is jointly managed by British Council, IDP: IELTS Australia and the University of Cambridge ESOL Examinations (Cambridge ESOL) and is delivered through more than 500 locations in over 135 countries. IELTS is recognized by more than 6000 institutions, government departments, professional associations and other organizations.

The IELTS (International English Language Testing System) test provides an evaluation of English for those who wish to study or train in English. IELTS, as it is popularly called tests the complete range of English language proficiency skills required by the students and those seeking immigration to English speaking countries.

Commencement of IELTS

IELTS is available on 48 fixed dates in a year - up to four times a month, depending on local demand. Check all the test dates for the year or go to your nearest centre to see its next test date.

Eligibility Criteria

There are no specific eligibility criteria/ qualification required for taking IELTS. However, IELTS is not recommended for candidates under 16 years of age. IELTS itself is an eligibility criterion for those who are migrating to English - speaking countries .

Application Procedure for IELTS

You can fill up the form online (www.ielts.org) and submit your application in the nearest IELTS center along with 2 passport sized photographs less than 6 months old and with your passport number and signature at the back. Make sure you aren't wearing glasses in these photographs. You also need to take the photocopy of the first three pages of your valid passport. Some centers also accept National ID.

You can also register via Phone, Fax, Courier or Online, the details of which, depending on the centre.

Rescheduling or Cancelling registration

If you reschedule or cancel your test up to 5 weeks before the test date, you are entitled to a refund minus an administration charge. If postponed or cancelled within 5 weeks of the test date, unless for a medical reason, you will be charged the full fee. If a medical certificate is submitted within 5 weeks of the test date, the candidate is entitled to a refund minus an administrative fee.

Fee Structure

The registration Fees for IELTS is 176$, which is approximately Rs.7600 to 8000/-

Types of IELTS:

IELTS is offered in two test formats - Academic and General Training.

The Academic format should be your choice if you are planning to undertake undergraduate or postgraduate study, or are seeking professional registration.

General Training is the best option for those undertaking work experience or training programmes not at degree level. It is also valid for immigration to Australia, Canada and New Zealand.

Scoring Pattern

The IELTS exam continues for around 2 hours and 45 minutes and comprises of Listening, Reading and Writing modules.

IELTS is divided into four sections

Reading – (60 minutes)The writing section has to be completed within 60 minutes in which the candidate has to read three texts of 500-900 words each and answer 40 questions about them in the order of increasing difficulty.

Speaking – (10-15 minutes) This section is a face to face oral interview between the examiner and the candidate where the candidate has to speak at length on the topic that the examiner selects, give his/her opinions on it and justify the opinion . This section has duration of 10-15 minutes.

Listening – (40 minutes)The listening section of the test consists of 4 sections in the order of increasing difficulty. The material is recorded on tape and is played for the candidate who has to write the answers on a question booklet. Once the recording has stopped playing, 10 minutes will be allotted to copy the answers to the answer booklet. The first section which is a monologue and second section which is a dialogue are based on general interest topics. The third and the fourth section consist of a lecture and discussion between two and four people respectively and will have a focus on training or education. The duration of this section is of 30-40 minutes.

Writing – (60 minutes)The writing section has a Graphic Test for 20 minutes wherein the candidate has to describe graphic information in a minimum of 150 words and another task of 40 minutes where the candidate has to write on an essay based topic. The second task contributes more to the final band score.

Once you have taken the IELTS exam, your score will be valid for 2 years.

Countries which accept IELTS score

IELTS has more than 800 test centers and locations in over 130 countries. Top countries are Australia, New Zealand, United Kingdom, Canada, USA, etc.

Results are reported as Band scores, on a scale from 1 (the lowest) to 9 (the highest). Candidates receive an overall band score as well as individual scores for each test component (Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking).

How to Prepare ?

IELTS has official practice materials to help you understand the format of the test and the types of questions. There are two volumes of the Official IELTS Practice Materials:

Vol. 1 Official IELTS Practice Materials (with CD)

Vol. 2 Official IELTS Practice Materials (with DVD)

Divide your time to four equal (or almost equal) parts and practice in IELTS Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking without making exceptions. You can mix 2 subjects in one day, for example, practice in Reading for one hour and then in Writing for one hour.

Try some free sample questions papers online, they will give you an idea of what to expect in the reading, writing and speaking modules.

Some IELTS centres have workshops to help you prepare for the test. Get in touch with your local IELTS test centre for details. Preparation courses are also offered by language schools in your country.

Top universities accepting IELTS score in U.S.A

Recently US Universities started accepting IELTS Score. If you have taken IELTS already, you are not required to take TOEFL; you can still apply with IELTS score. But, IELTS or TOEFL is mandatory.

Boise State University

Brandeis University

Ball State University

Hawaii Pacific University

Auburn University, Auburn

California State University, Fresno

Columbia University

California Institute of Technology

Central Michigan University

Case Western Reserve University

Top universities accepting IELTS score in U.K

All universities and colleges in UK acknowledge IELTS.

Top universities accepting IELTS score in Canada

Canadian institutions prefer applicants with a very good academic background and decent scores in IELTS and TOEFL.

Hi Prerna, Top universities in Germany considered students with score band of 6.5 at least. A 7.5 or 8 is considered as a good score to get admission in a university of your choice.
Jayanti Prasad, 22-11-2014

Hi Selvam, 4.5 is too less to be considered by any good university. I think you should take the test again. Why don't you go to some trusted coaching centre like the Chopras? If you can aim for something around 6.5 or 7, it would be considered good.
Jayanti Prasad, 22-11-2014

i have given ielts and scored an overall of 7.. would dat b enough to get into any country ??? or bandscore of 7 in each skill is necesary???

With due respect i want to tell sir i completed my 10th class by doing part time job because my family relation is not good sir i have no money for my higher classes please help me (ON WHAT PURPOSE I APPLY FOR THE OFFER LETTER FROM THE UNIVERSITY) 919803140876 IS MY NUMBER OR EMAIL ID SINGHPARVEEN9312GMAIL.COM PLEASE HELP ME

Respected sir /madam .I had completed my bachelor degree in nursing with 75% and had two years clinical experience in CARE hospital and presently i am interested to do MBA in hospital management. could you please tell me the required ielts score .I request you to give information about best universities and process of admission and visa. thanking you